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Meet Olive
Lonely Hearts Club Member
Olive is a spunky 7-year-old diabetic cat. With a mischievous personality, she’s quickly become a favorite amongst the staff at CCS. If you adopt Olive, we assure you there will never be a dull day in your household again! View her profile to learn more.
Adopt
Save a life and find your new best friend while opening up more space in the shelter. After picking out your purrfect match, apply to adopt!
Foster
Volunteer
Get involved by giving back! We have many volunteer roles available to help support the cats in our shelter. A few hours can make a world of difference.
Upcoming Events
Free Seminar: Clicker Training Your Cats
Tails of the Painted Cats
Duet Drag Show Benefitting Cat Care Society
Free Seminar: The Benefits of Play
Oktobermeow at Wild Sky Brewery
Free Seminar: Estate Planning with Your Pets in Mind
Free Seminar: Keeping Senior Cats Healthy
National Nonprofit Day
Adoption Event & Thrift Shop: Clear the Shelters
Free Seminar: Resolving Litter Box Issues
Free Seminar: Building a Better Bond
CCS at Denver PrideFest
- Ends June 29, 2025
Fore the Felines at Topgolf & Online Auction
Kitten Shower
Santa Paws
Summer Art Auction (Online)
- Ends August 9, 2024
The Whisker Whisper Blog
Top 5 Reasons to Join us at TOPC
A Guide to Selecting Cat Food
There are more cat food options than ever before, which is great for picky eaters and for cats with special dietary needs, but for a cat owner, navigating the cat food aisle can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with so many options available, even if you’re on a budget, you can still provide your cat with healthy and tasty food. In this article, we will discuss what to look for on the label, pros and cons of various cat food forms, and much more!
Narrow Down Your Options
The best way to begin filtering through all the cat food options is by knowing what to avoid and what to look for on the product’s label.
What to Avoid:
- Products with artificial ingredients, including colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Any known allergies your cat has. Common allergens in cats include beef, fish, dairy, and grains.
- Foods that contain a high proportion of grains and other carbohydrates, as they are typically less nutrient dense.
Food Fact: Terms like “premium,” “gourmet,” “holistic,” “no fillers,” and “human-grade” aren’t legally regulated and don’t guarantee higher-quality ingredients. While foods with these labels aren’t always bad choices, it’s important not to rely solely on these words when choosing a cat food, as they have no official definitions or standards.
What to Look For:
- Products that are designed for your cat’s life stage, activity level, and health condition, if applicable (renal, diabetes, sensitive digestion, etc.).
- A nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging that indicates that it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which is a nonprofit that establishes nutritional standards for pet foods.
- Note that AAFCO does not directly test or certify pet foods. The pet food companies use a third-party testing agency to analyze their foods according to AAFCO guidelines.
If you’re still having trouble making a decision, you can always ask your veterinarian for suggestions. If your cat needs a specific prescription diet, always follow your veterinarian’s guidance. Also, if you’re adopting a cat, ask the shelter what food the cat has been eating and what they’d recommend. At Cat Care Society, we’re a big fan of Hill’s!
Food Fact: The terms “complete” and “balanced” are defined by AAFCO and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can feel confident that when you see “complete” on a cat food, it contains all the required nutrients for a cat. “Balanced” means it contains all the nutrients and they are in the ideal proportions.
Types of Cat Food
Below are the most common forms of cat food. There’s no single perfect choice for every cat, so you may need to experiment to find what best suits your cat’s tastes and your lifestyle.
Dry Kibble: Shelf-stable, cost-effective, and convenient to measure and store, dry kibble is often a significant part of a cat’s diet. There are many options available—from formulas with specific textures to help reduce plaque and tartar, to those fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other specialty ingredients aimed at specific health goals.
Canned/wet food: Containing 70–80% moisture, canned/wet food can support kidney and urinary tract health, especially in cats that don’t drink much water. Wet food is usually very popular with cats, and sometimes essential for cats with dental issues. Some kitties may have a preference between pâté, chunks in gravy, flakes, shredded, etc., so try single cans first before buying in bulk!
Fresh/refrigerated food: This option involves fresh, but cooked, foods that are often steamed to preserve nutrients while reducing harmful pathogens. Safe food handling is still essential to ensure the food remains safe to eat throughout storage and consumption, and be sure to look for complete and balanced options.
Raw/freeze-dried raw food: The goal of commercial raw/freeze-dried raw food is to provide high-quality protein and mimic a cat’s natural prey-based diet. However, most raw cat food products are not complete and balanced, and they also carry a much greater risk of foodborne illness in your pet and in the people living in the household. Additionally, it is not recommended to feed your cat raw meat purchased at a traditional grocery store as it carries a greater risk of illness due to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. In recent years, feeding cats raw and freeze-dried cat food has also come with an increased risk of bird flu transmission. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some great research and guidance on raw pet food diets.
Many cats enjoy a combination of foods. This could look like mixing dry food in with a wet pâté at meal time or serving them separately, such as wet food in the morning and dry kibble for their evening meal. The most important thing is to choose foods with a nutritional adequacy statement on the label, which confirms they are complete and balanced and meet AAFCO nutrition standards.
One thing is for sure: cats need meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. In general, cats do best eating a diet with high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Check out our blog post that goes into more detail on why cats need to eat meat to learn more!
Food Fact: Each cat is unique, and their dietary needs are unique, as well. General recommendations given in our blog or on the food products you purchase may not be the best fit for your cat. We always recommend consulting your veterinarian when deciding on the best types and amount of food to feed your cat daily.
Have a Picky Eater? A Finicky Feline? A Food Critic?
Whatever you call them, choosy cats can make it difficult to find that balance of nutritious, delicious, and budget-friendly. A good place to start is by switching up the consistency and texture, because a cat’s senses are especially sensitive to it. From having a jaw designed for shearing meat and crunching bones to having highly sensitive whiskers and lips, they notice the subtle differences in food shape, size, and feel. For example, certain cats may love shredded wet food in gravy but stick up their noses to chunks in gravy. Below are some ideas to satisfy your feline foodie.
- Slightly warming up wet food to enhance the aroma can make it more appealing.
- Add food toppers and other enhancers for texture variety.
- If you free feed, try switching to specific meal times to create interest.
- If you use a bowl, try switching to a plate or more shallow bowl.
- If the food is close to their water source, move it further away.
When to Visit a Vet: If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s food preferences, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian to rule out any new health conditions or dental issues. Additionally, if you notice your cat excessively scratching, licking, or biting their skin, it may indicate that they have a food allergy.
A Few Feeding Reminders
- If transitioning your cat to a new food, slowly introduce it by mixing it into their current food over the course of several days.
- Follow the feeding guidance on the food’s label, which is usually based on your cat’s current weight and sometimes their activity level.
- Always offer your cat adequate fresh water, even if you primarily feed them wet food.
- Treats can be great for training, bonding, and enrichment, but they are not meant to be a main source of food for your cat because they are typically not formulated to be complete and balanced.
- Food toppers and enhancers can be a tasty and enjoyable way to address specific health needs—like joint support or skin and coat care—or simply add variety, but like treats, they also shouldn’t replace a cat’s primary diet.
- Before starting your cat on any dietary supplements, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Closing
By paying attention to the label and choosing foods that meet AAFCO standards for your cat’s life stage and health needs, you can ensure your cat gets the nutrition they need. Remember that different forms of cat food—dry kibble, wet/canned, raw/freeze-dried, or fresh/refrigerated—each have their benefits, and many cats thrive on a mix. For picky eaters, experimenting with texture, temperature, and food enhancers can make mealtime more enjoyable.
Donate you extra cat food to CCS! If you have leftover cat food that your cat doesn’t enjoy or food you simply no longer need, consider sharing it with other cats. CCS gladly accepts any non-refrigerated, unexpired cat food or treats—wet or dry, new or partially used (in their original packaging). Simply bring your donations during shelter hours and leave them in the designated donation area in the lobby.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
From Lonely Heart to Loving Home
When Sunny came to Cat Care Society, she was heartbreakingly fragile. This petite brown tabby faced some of the toughest medical challenges we see in cats: advanced kidney disease, severe anemia, constant vomiting, and dangerous weight loss. Each day, her future seemed uncertain.
But even when she was weak, she never stopped showing us her sunny disposition. She purred through exams and headbutted our staff’s hands as if to say, “Don’t give up on me.”
And we didn’t.
Sunny quickly became a staff favorite at Cat Care Society. That’s why we gave her a special distinction: the “Lonely Hearts Club.” This group is reserved for cats who need a little extra help to find their perfect match — older cats, those with longer stays, or cats facing complex medical needs. Sunny ticked every one of these boxes, but we knew she deserved the chance to find a home where she could feel safe and loved.
To continue receiving the daily medications, fluids, lab work, and constant care that keep cats like Sunny alive, we rely on support from donors like you. Every lab test, every dose of medicine, every gentle pat from our veterinary team is only possible because someone chose to give.
Most importantly, generosity from donors like you gave her the greatest gift of all: time. Time to grow stronger, stabilize, and wait for someone who would open their heart to a 14-year-old cat with lifelong medical needs and costly care.
After five months of care in the shelter, Sunny met her perfect match. A local veterinarian met Sunny and instantly knew they were meant to be together. Able to provide the ongoing medical attention Sunny so desperately needed, she was able to give Sunny a loving and restorative home to live out her golden years.
“Sunny (now called Cardi) is doing great! She is a very sweet girl, loves pets and cuddles, and has adjusted well. Her kidney disease is also doing well, her anemia is holding steady, and her weight has continued to go up. I love senior kitties and helping them feel the best they can by managing any medical issues.” – Dr. Hale, Sunny’s adopter
At Cat Care Society, every cat’s care is guided by a compassionate and expert approach — combining veterinary protocols, staff training, donor-funded medical treatments, and specialized initiatives like the Lonely Hearts Club. Sunny’s recovery was not a one-time miracle, but the result of this proven approach designed to identify, treat, and advocate for our most vulnerable feline friends.
Today, Sunny is no longer a lonely heart. She is safe, cherished, and adored — thanks to supporters like you.
But while Sunny’s story has a happy ending, many other Lonely Hearts are still waiting at Cat Care Society. Senior cats. Cats with medical challenges. Cats who have been overlooked time and again. They are counting on us, and on you, to give them love, care, and a second chance at life.
Will you open your heart today to help the next lonely heart find their loving home? Your gift provides the medications, veterinary care, and loving support that make happy endings like Sunny’s possible.
With gratitude,
– EC Michaels
Top 5 Reasons to Join us at TOPC
A Guide to Selecting Cat Food
There are more cat food options than ever before, which is great for picky eaters and for cats with special dietary needs, but for a cat owner, navigating the cat food aisle can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with so many options available, even if you’re on a budget, you can still provide your cat with healthy and tasty food. In this article, we will discuss what to look for on the label, pros and cons of various cat food forms, and much more!
Narrow Down Your Options
The best way to begin filtering through all the cat food options is by knowing what to avoid and what to look for on the product’s label.
What to Avoid:
- Products with artificial ingredients, including colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Any known allergies your cat has. Common allergens in cats include beef, fish, dairy, and grains.
- Foods that contain a high proportion of grains and other carbohydrates, as they are typically less nutrient dense.
Food Fact: Terms like “premium,” “gourmet,” “holistic,” “no fillers,” and “human-grade” aren’t legally regulated and don’t guarantee higher-quality ingredients. While foods with these labels aren’t always bad choices, it’s important not to rely solely on these words when choosing a cat food, as they have no official definitions or standards.
What to Look For:
- Products that are designed for your cat’s life stage, activity level, and health condition, if applicable (renal, diabetes, sensitive digestion, etc.).
- A nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging that indicates that it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which is a nonprofit that establishes nutritional standards for pet foods.
- Note that AAFCO does not directly test or certify pet foods. The pet food companies use a third-party testing agency to analyze their foods according to AAFCO guidelines.
If you’re still having trouble making a decision, you can always ask your veterinarian for suggestions. If your cat needs a specific prescription diet, always follow your veterinarian’s guidance. Also, if you’re adopting a cat, ask the shelter what food the cat has been eating and what they’d recommend. At Cat Care Society, we’re a big fan of Hill’s!
Food Fact: The terms “complete” and “balanced” are defined by AAFCO and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can feel confident that when you see “complete” on a cat food, it contains all the required nutrients for a cat. “Balanced” means it contains all the nutrients and they are in the ideal proportions.
Types of Cat Food
Below are the most common forms of cat food. There’s no single perfect choice for every cat, so you may need to experiment to find what best suits your cat’s tastes and your lifestyle.
Dry Kibble: Shelf-stable, cost-effective, and convenient to measure and store, dry kibble is often a significant part of a cat’s diet. There are many options available—from formulas with specific textures to help reduce plaque and tartar, to those fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other specialty ingredients aimed at specific health goals.
Canned/wet food: Containing 70–80% moisture, canned/wet food can support kidney and urinary tract health, especially in cats that don’t drink much water. Wet food is usually very popular with cats, and sometimes essential for cats with dental issues. Some kitties may have a preference between pâté, chunks in gravy, flakes, shredded, etc., so try single cans first before buying in bulk!
Fresh/refrigerated food: This option involves fresh, but cooked, foods that are often steamed to preserve nutrients while reducing harmful pathogens. Safe food handling is still essential to ensure the food remains safe to eat throughout storage and consumption, and be sure to look for complete and balanced options.
Raw/freeze-dried raw food: The goal of commercial raw/freeze-dried raw food is to provide high-quality protein and mimic a cat’s natural prey-based diet. However, most raw cat food products are not complete and balanced, and they also carry a much greater risk of foodborne illness in your pet and in the people living in the household. Additionally, it is not recommended to feed your cat raw meat purchased at a traditional grocery store as it carries a greater risk of illness due to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. In recent years, feeding cats raw and freeze-dried cat food has also come with an increased risk of bird flu transmission. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some great research and guidance on raw pet food diets.
Many cats enjoy a combination of foods. This could look like mixing dry food in with a wet pâté at meal time or serving them separately, such as wet food in the morning and dry kibble for their evening meal. The most important thing is to choose foods with a nutritional adequacy statement on the label, which confirms they are complete and balanced and meet AAFCO nutrition standards.
One thing is for sure: cats need meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to stay healthy. In general, cats do best eating a diet with high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. Check out our blog post that goes into more detail on why cats need to eat meat to learn more!
Food Fact: Each cat is unique, and their dietary needs are unique, as well. General recommendations given in our blog or on the food products you purchase may not be the best fit for your cat. We always recommend consulting your veterinarian when deciding on the best types and amount of food to feed your cat daily.
Have a Picky Eater? A Finicky Feline? A Food Critic?
Whatever you call them, choosy cats can make it difficult to find that balance of nutritious, delicious, and budget-friendly. A good place to start is by switching up the consistency and texture, because a cat’s senses are especially sensitive to it. From having a jaw designed for shearing meat and crunching bones to having highly sensitive whiskers and lips, they notice the subtle differences in food shape, size, and feel. For example, certain cats may love shredded wet food in gravy but stick up their noses to chunks in gravy. Below are some ideas to satisfy your feline foodie.
- Slightly warming up wet food to enhance the aroma can make it more appealing.
- Add food toppers and other enhancers for texture variety.
- If you free feed, try switching to specific meal times to create interest.
- If you use a bowl, try switching to a plate or more shallow bowl.
- If the food is close to their water source, move it further away.
When to Visit a Vet: If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s food preferences, it’s a good idea to visit your veterinarian to rule out any new health conditions or dental issues. Additionally, if you notice your cat excessively scratching, licking, or biting their skin, it may indicate that they have a food allergy.
A Few Feeding Reminders
- If transitioning your cat to a new food, slowly introduce it by mixing it into their current food over the course of several days.
- Follow the feeding guidance on the food’s label, which is usually based on your cat’s current weight and sometimes their activity level.
- Always offer your cat adequate fresh water, even if you primarily feed them wet food.
- Treats can be great for training, bonding, and enrichment, but they are not meant to be a main source of food for your cat because they are typically not formulated to be complete and balanced.
- Food toppers and enhancers can be a tasty and enjoyable way to address specific health needs—like joint support or skin and coat care—or simply add variety, but like treats, they also shouldn’t replace a cat’s primary diet.
- Before starting your cat on any dietary supplements, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Closing
By paying attention to the label and choosing foods that meet AAFCO standards for your cat’s life stage and health needs, you can ensure your cat gets the nutrition they need. Remember that different forms of cat food—dry kibble, wet/canned, raw/freeze-dried, or fresh/refrigerated—each have their benefits, and many cats thrive on a mix. For picky eaters, experimenting with texture, temperature, and food enhancers can make mealtime more enjoyable.
Donate you extra cat food to CCS! If you have leftover cat food that your cat doesn’t enjoy or food you simply no longer need, consider sharing it with other cats. CCS gladly accepts any non-refrigerated, unexpired cat food or treats—wet or dry, new or partially used (in their original packaging). Simply bring your donations during shelter hours and leave them in the designated donation area in the lobby.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
From Lonely Heart to Loving Home
When Sunny came to Cat Care Society, she was heartbreakingly fragile. This petite brown tabby faced some of the toughest medical challenges we see in cats: advanced kidney disease, severe anemia, constant vomiting, and dangerous weight loss. Each day, her future seemed uncertain.
But even when she was weak, she never stopped showing us her sunny disposition. She purred through exams and headbutted our staff’s hands as if to say, “Don’t give up on me.”
And we didn’t.
Sunny quickly became a staff favorite at Cat Care Society. That’s why we gave her a special distinction: the “Lonely Hearts Club.” This group is reserved for cats who need a little extra help to find their perfect match — older cats, those with longer stays, or cats facing complex medical needs. Sunny ticked every one of these boxes, but we knew she deserved the chance to find a home where she could feel safe and loved.
To continue receiving the daily medications, fluids, lab work, and constant care that keep cats like Sunny alive, we rely on support from donors like you. Every lab test, every dose of medicine, every gentle pat from our veterinary team is only possible because someone chose to give.
Most importantly, generosity from donors like you gave her the greatest gift of all: time. Time to grow stronger, stabilize, and wait for someone who would open their heart to a 14-year-old cat with lifelong medical needs and costly care.
After five months of care in the shelter, Sunny met her perfect match. A local veterinarian met Sunny and instantly knew they were meant to be together. Able to provide the ongoing medical attention Sunny so desperately needed, she was able to give Sunny a loving and restorative home to live out her golden years.
“Sunny (now called Cardi) is doing great! She is a very sweet girl, loves pets and cuddles, and has adjusted well. Her kidney disease is also doing well, her anemia is holding steady, and her weight has continued to go up. I love senior kitties and helping them feel the best they can by managing any medical issues.” – Dr. Hale, Sunny’s adopter
At Cat Care Society, every cat’s care is guided by a compassionate and expert approach — combining veterinary protocols, staff training, donor-funded medical treatments, and specialized initiatives like the Lonely Hearts Club. Sunny’s recovery was not a one-time miracle, but the result of this proven approach designed to identify, treat, and advocate for our most vulnerable feline friends.
Today, Sunny is no longer a lonely heart. She is safe, cherished, and adored — thanks to supporters like you.
But while Sunny’s story has a happy ending, many other Lonely Hearts are still waiting at Cat Care Society. Senior cats. Cats with medical challenges. Cats who have been overlooked time and again. They are counting on us, and on you, to give them love, care, and a second chance at life.
Will you open your heart today to help the next lonely heart find their loving home? Your gift provides the medications, veterinary care, and loving support that make happy endings like Sunny’s possible.
With gratitude,
– EC Michaels
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